Why don’t you just give me antibiotics?

Dental abscesses – gum or tooth related are caused by bacteria just like many other infections. Most dental abscesses are usually localised and can, therefore, be treated with local measures such as a deep clean for a gum abscess; root canal treatment or extraction for a tooth abscess. There is a rising incidence of resistance to antibiotics. You may also suffer unwanted side effects like a “dickie tummy”. A small possibility of an allergic reaction also exists – ranging from mild to life threatening.

Best Practice guidelines clearly state when to use antibiotics – mainly if the infection is causing major local swelling or other symptoms affecting your whole body.
We thoroughly assess each situation, discuss the options with you and, whenever possible, take local action for long term results. Antibiotics in dental situations only ever “buy time”.